When Squid Game took over Netflix in late 2021, few collaborations captured the cultural moment as elegantly as Medicom Toy’s BE@RBRICK series featuring the Frontman and his iconic pink-suited guards. This four-type set, combining both 100% and 400% scale figures, is now one of the most sought-after Netflix-licensed BE@RBRICK releases on the secondary market. For collectors who missed the original lottery sales in Japan, finding a complete set in good condition is becoming increasingly difficult.
Japanese Video Games and entertainment collectibles occupy a unique space in the global market. BE@RBRICK figures tied to Netflix properties are typically released through Japan-exclusive retail channels like Medicom’s official store, BAIT, and selected Tokyo boutiques. Unlike Western merchandise that prioritizes scale figures or apparel, Japan’s collaboration model produces small-batch art toys with strict release windows, making each set a snapshot of pop culture history.
About This Item
This listing covers a complete four-type BE@RBRICK set themed around Netflix’s Squid Game, produced by Medicom Toy. The set features the Frontman (the masked authority figure in the black uniform) along with the three ranks of pink-suited guards distinguished by the geometric shapes on their masks: circle (worker), triangle (soldier), and square (manager). Each character is rendered in both the standard 100% size (approximately 70mm tall) and the larger 400% size (approximately 280mm tall), giving collectors a full display lineup.
Medicom Toy released this collaboration in 2022 following the explosive global success of Squid Game’s first season. The figures faithfully reproduce costume details from the show — the matte black helmet and red trim of the Frontman, the fuchsia jumpsuits of the guards, and the precise mask iconography. Production was limited and distributed primarily through Japanese channels, with international fans relying on proxy buyers or specialty resellers to obtain complete sets. This particular set is being offered in pre-owned condition, carefully inspected for authenticity and shipped from Japan with tracking.
Key Details
- Manufacturer: Medicom Toy
- Series/Franchise: BE@RBRICK × Squid Game (Netflix)
- Type: Video Games / Entertainment Collectibles
- Condition: Pre-owned, inspected before shipping
- Origin: Japan
The BE@RBRICK Franchise: Why Collectors Care
BE@RBRICK debuted in 2001 as a promotional giveaway at the World Character Convention in Tokyo. What began as a simple bear-shaped vinyl figure has grown into one of the most prolific art-toy platforms of the 21st century. Designed by Tatsuhiko Akashi at Medicom Toy, the figure’s nine articulation points and minimalist silhouette make it an ideal canvas for artist collaborations. Over the past two decades, BE@RBRICK has partnered with everyone from KAWS, Daniel Arsham, and Jean-Michel Basquiat estates to luxury houses like Chanel and Louis Vuitton, as well as pop culture giants including Marvel, Disney, and Star Wars.
The Netflix partnership marked a significant moment because it represented one of the first times a streaming-original series received the full BE@RBRICK treatment. Squid Game was a natural fit — its visual language of bold colors, geometric mask symbols, and uniform silhouettes translates beautifully to the minimalist BE@RBRICK form. The Frontman and guard set became instantly recognizable on display shelves and quickly sold out in primary release.
Rarity and Value Factors
Several factors drive BE@RBRICK secondary market values. First, production runs are deliberately limited and rarely repeated. Once a wave is gone, it’s gone. Second, completeness matters enormously — collectors strongly prefer full sets over single figures because mixing scales (100% and 400%) is part of the intended display aesthetic. Third, the Netflix license itself has a finite window; Medicom cannot simply produce more Squid Game figures whenever demand spikes. Fourth, the cultural relevance of the source material amplifies value: as Squid Game seasons continue to drop on Netflix, interest in season-one merchandise resurges. Finally, region-exclusive packaging variants and outer-box conditions can swing prices significantly between otherwise identical listings.
Looking for this item? Every item at HD Toys Store Japan is:
- Shipped directly from Japan with tracking
- Carefully inspected for condition and authenticity
- Pre-owned condition documented with detailed photos
Collector’s Guide: What to Look For
Before purchasing any pre-owned BE@RBRICK set, especially one with multiple figures and dual scales, a methodical inspection is essential. The most common issues with BE@RBRICK figures involve paint chipping on the head and feet (areas with the most contact during handling), loose joint articulation, and yellowing on white plastic components. For the Squid Game set, pay particular attention to the printed mask symbols on the guards — these are tampo-printed and can fade or rub off if the figure was displayed without its outer box for years. The Frontman’s helmet finish should be uniformly matte; any glossy patches suggest mishandling or improper storage.
Always request close-up photos of each figure’s face, joints, and feet before committing. Authentic Medicom Toy BE@RBRICKs carry molded markings on the back and underfoot — counterfeits often miss these subtle details. The 400% figures should feel substantial in weight; lightweight knockoffs are a red flag. For more in-depth research, browse more collector guides on our blog covering Japanese figure authentication and storage techniques.
Condition Checklist
- Paint Integrity: Inspect head, feet, and mask symbols for chips, scuffs, or fading
- Joint Tension: Arms, legs, and head should rotate firmly without flopping
- Plastic Yellowing: Check under bright light for discoloration, especially on lighter components
- Authenticity Marks: Verify Medicom Toy molded stamps on the back and feet
- Packaging: Original window box with intact cardboard insert significantly affects value
Price Guide
Pricing for the BE@RBRICK Squid Game Frontman and Guard set varies based on completeness and condition. For loose figures without boxes, expect roughly $180–$280 for the full four-type 100% set, while 400% figures range $90–$160 each depending on character. Complete sets including all four 100% and 400% figures with original boxes typically sell in the $450–$700 range. Mint, sealed, or unopened examples can command $750 and above. The Frontman 400% is generally the most valuable single piece due to its visual prominence. Pricing also fluctuates with renewed Squid Game press cycles.
Similar Items Worth Exploring
Collectors drawn to this set often expand into other Netflix or streaming-themed BE@RBRICKs, including the Stranger Things collaboration figures and the Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) releases. Within the broader pop-culture BE@RBRICK ecosystem, the Star Wars Stormtrooper and Mandalorian sets share the masked-uniform aesthetic that makes Squid Game so visually compelling on a display shelf. For collectors interested in horror or thriller-themed releases, Medicom’s Jason Voorhees and Pennywise BE@RBRICKs offer similar dark-character appeal.
Beyond BE@RBRICK, Squid Game itself has inspired collectibles from manufacturers like Funko Pop! and Banpresto, but the BE@RBRICK versions remain the premium tier among adult collectors. Pairing the Frontman with the Young-hee giant doll figure (released separately) creates a particularly striking diorama.
Why Buy Japanese Collectibles from Japan?
Japanese collector culture places enormous value on preservation and condition. It’s common for figures to remain in their original packaging for years, stored away from sunlight and humidity in dedicated display cabinets. This care translates directly into better secondary-market quality compared to many Western-sourced items. Additionally, Medicom Toy releases are frequently Japan-exclusive at launch, meaning the most desirable BE@RBRICK sets first surface through Japanese channels before reaching overseas resellers at markup. Buying from Japan also means dealing with sellers familiar with authentication — counterfeit BE@RBRICKs do exist, particularly for hyped collaborations, and experienced Japanese dealers can spot them readily.
Summary
The BE@RBRICK Squid Game Frontman and Guard four-type set in 100% and 400% scales represents a perfect intersection of Netflix’s biggest streaming phenomenon and Medicom Toy’s iconic art-toy platform. For collectors building a pop-culture-focused BE@RBRICK shelf, this set is a centerpiece-worthy addition that becomes harder to assemble each year. Sourcing a complete, carefully inspected pre-owned set shipped from Japan offers the best balance of authenticity, condition, and value in today’s market.
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